What are the most common symptoms in babies and children?

According to Meningitis Now, early symptoms in babies and children also include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and fever with cold hands and feet.

“As babies and toddlers can’t tell you how they feel, it can be easy to miss vital signs and symptoms of meningitis,” McMullen warned.

“In addition to physical symptoms, parents should look for behavioural signs that include a dislike to being handled or bright lights, being drowsy or unresponsive, unusual crying or moaning, and rapid breathing.

“Obviously the rash is a symptom of meningitis, but this doesn’t appear in all cases,” added McMullen. “And parents should not wait until the rash appears if they are concerned about their child’s health.”